Abstract:
The Coastal Typology Dataset is a project of the Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) program of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP).

The purpose of the project is to establish a global coastal zone typology based upon available scientific information, both descriptive ... and dynamic. Such a dataset allows grouping of the world's coastal zone into clusters of discrete, scientifically valid units based on both natural and socio-economic features and processes. Since not all areas can be sampled, a rational approach to LOICZ studies must involve identifying the major categories of coastal units and ensuring that each grouping is adequately represented in the data sets used for preparing global syntheses.

In addition, the typology will be used as the basis for encouraging new research projects in coastal types that are under-represented in current research activities and for analyzing and reporting results on a regional and global basis.

The geographic focus is the world coastline between 50 meter elevation and 50 meter depth contours. This world coastal region is divided into 1-by-1 degree grid cells. In total there are 9362 cells. The data layers are available for use in geographic information systems (GIS).

[This information was obtained from the IGBP LOICZ International Project Office web pages at Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).]